1. to separate (fine particles) from coarser material by washing and decanting, or by using a current of air or liquid
Usage: technical; chemistry and geology

Examples

• The geologist was elutriating the sediment sample to isolate the finest clay particles.
• In the laboratory, they used water to elutriated the mixture and separate the lighter components.
• The process of elutriating helps remove impurities from mineral ores.
• By elutriating the powder with air currents, the researchers could classify particles by size.
• The technician spent hours elutriating the soil sample to prepare it for analysis.